You are currently viewing the old forums. We have upgraded to a new NFL Forum. This old forum is being left as a read-only archive.
Please update your bookmarks to our new forum at forums.footballsfuture.com.

On September 8th, Blaine Gabbert will likely take the field at Everbank Field as the starting Quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Entering his third season, Gabbert, much like the team that he plays for, will be at a crossroads. Will he finally reach the level of success that was expected when Gene Smith traded up to the #10 pick to draft him, or will Gabbert prove to be the bust that many have deemed him since he was first drafted?

Dave Caldwell and the rest of the front office has done everything in their power to give Gabbert the best chance at success. In Free Agency, Mohamed Massaquoi was brought in as a free agent to help bolster the receiving corps, and the Jaguars resigned slot specialist Jordan Shipley. In the draft, the Jaguars fixed the turnstile at Right Tackle by drafting top prospect Luke Joeckel #2 overall, then added two speed specialists in Ace Sanders and Denard "Shoelace" Robinson. With the return of Maurice Jones Drew from lisfranc surgery, this looks to be one of the most dynamic group of weapons that a young Quarterback has had in quite some time.

The only notable losses that the team has taken on offense have been the oft injured Laurent Robinson, an ineffective Rashad Jennings and Justin Blackmon (4 game suspension).

Without question, the offense surrounding our Quarterbacks looks to be the best it has looked in at least five years, and some would suggest the potential is there for it to be the best it's been in over a decade. As such, more will be expected out of the Quarterback position, and very few excuses will be accepted if they are not successful with all the toys put at their disposal.

With a ragtag group at the Quarterback position that currently includes Gabbert, as well as five year veteran Chad Henne, and undrafted rookies Matt Scott and Jordan Rodgers, Gabbert is the early favorite to begin the season as the starter.

Throughout his two year career thus far, Gabbert has shown to be widely unspectacular and his flashes of brilliance have been marred by inconsistencies, erratic throws, and a few unfortunate injuries.

Deemed "scared" by the general public after his disastrous rookie year and ripped to shreds by the media and on this very message board, Gabbert took steps towards looking more competent in his second year. If nothing else, his footwork and pocket presence were greatly improved, with much help from a lame duck staff headed by Mike Mularkey, Greg Olson and Bob Bratkowski.

Headed into his third season, Gabbert will be under the tutelage of his third coaching staff (fourth head coach including interim head coach Mel Tucker), this time headed by Head Coach Gus Bradley, Offensive Coordinator Jedd Fisch, and Quarterbacks Coach Frank Scelfo.

With a new coaching staff dedicated to creating an offense that works best with the skills of the players on the team, as well as all the weapons and improved protection that he will receive, Blaine Gabbert has reached the true crossroads in his NFL career.

How do you think the season will play out for Gabbert?_________________
Live like you're down 3-1